Aung San Suu Kyi released from house arrest

The Burmese political activist and icon Aung Saan Suu Kyi has been released from her seven year stint under house arrest. The release comes after elections which inaugurated Burma's new government, which is a civilian one.

Despite the transition of power from the military to the civilians, the military retains significant control over Burma's Congressional body and the former dictator, General Than Shwe, is now Prime Minister. Many regard the elections as tainted with low voter turnout and corruption/intimidation.

It remains unclear how Aung Saan Suu Kyi will use this newfound freedom, as her political party the NLD refused to participate in these elections and her own future standing as a candidate may be denied.

After her release from house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi has made repeated calls for change and peaceful revolution/protest to the injustices and undemocratic practices of the current Burmese government. While she has sought to strike a conciliatory tone, the Burmese government has reacted harshly to her visiting an HIV/AIDs clinic in Rangoon, the capital.

The clinic itself is run by leadership associated with the NLD, Aung San Suu Kyi's party.